Japanese Side Dominates Second Half
Sanfrecce Hiroshima, a prominent Japanese club, commenced their AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 campaign with a decisive 2-0 victory over Australian hosts Melbourne City. The match, held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, saw the Japanese team break the deadlock in the second half to claim all three points in the eastern league phase opener.
Goals Seal Victory
The breakthrough for Sanfrecce Hiroshima came in the 52nd minute when Marcus Junior converted a penalty. The Brazilian forward was brought down inside the box by Melbourne City goalkeeper Patrick Beach, leading to the spot-kick. The Japanese side solidified their lead in the 81st minute when substitute Yotaro Nakajima headed home from a cross delivered by Shuto Nakano, confirming the 2-0 scoreline. This marked a winning start for coach Michael Skibbe's team.
Match Dynamics and Performance
The first half of the encounter was a hard-fought affair, with Melbourne City holding their own against the visitors. However, Sanfrecce Hiroshima demonstrated their mid-season sharpness after the interval, capitalizing on their opportunities. Melbourne City, playing their first game of the new season, struggled to create significant threats against the well-organized Japanese defense. Goalkeeper Patrick Beach was called into action multiple times, making crucial saves before conceding the penalty.
AFC Champions League Elite Context
This match was part of the inaugural rounds of the newly formatted AFC Champions League Elite, which features a Swiss league phase. The competition, introduced last year, sees teams from across Asia vying for continental supremacy. Sanfrecce Hiroshima's victory provides them with a strong start in the eastern league phase, setting a positive tone for their aspirations in Asia's premier club competition.
6 Comments
Fuerza
The new ACL Elite format is exciting, and Sanfrecce showed they're ready for it. Melbourne City will need to adapt quickly to the higher level of competition if they want to progress.
Manolo Noriega
Skibbe's tactics paid off. Solid defense and took their chances.
Fuerza
Japanese football showing its class again. AFC Elite is going to be exciting!
Ongania
Patrick Beach made some crucial saves, keeping City in the game longer than they perhaps deserved. The team needs to support their keeper better defensively.
Fuerza
While Sanfrecce deserved the win for their clinical finishing, Melbourne City did show some resilience in the first half. They need to build on that initial effort.
Katchuka
Yes! Three points on the road is huge. Onwards and upwards!